Adamsynths Oscillator

SAW-core Analog Through-Zero VCO for the Warthog System

• Analog SAW-core VCO with through-zero FM, designed for high tuning stability
• Balanced, DC-coupled, capacitor-free outputs at 10 Vpp
• 10-octave range with a deviation of just a few cents
• RANGE selectors for 16', 8', 4', and 2', and TUNE ±1 octave, continuous or quantized to semitones
• Two exponential FM inputs and one linear FM input, each with dedicated control
• Switchable HARD SYNC and PWM controllable from 10% to 90%
• SQR, SAW, TRI, SINE, and selectable WAVE outputs, plus SUB OSC at /2 or /4
• Hidden parameter menu for fine-tuning the oscillator

The Adamsynths Oscillator is the analog VCO of the Warthog system: a through-zero SAW-core oscillator built to deliver solid, stable tuning, session after session. It is the tonal heart from which every patch begins, designed for those who want a clean, precise waveform generator rich in modulation possibilities, without compromising signal quality.

SAW-core architecture and audiophile-grade DC-coupled outputs

The core of the Oscillator is a sawtooth core from which all waveforms are derived. The outputs are balanced and DC-coupled, meaning there are no capacitors in the signal path: the waveforms reach the rest of the system without the distortions typical of capacitive coupling, with an output level of 10 Vpp. The result is an audiophile-grade source, with distortion-free waveforms across the entire spectrum.

Dedicated Waveforms, WAVE Output, and Sub-Oscillator

Each waveform has its own output: square (SQR), sawtooth (SAW), triangular (TRI), and sine (SINE), which can also be used simultaneously with various filters, mixers, or waveshaping modules. In addition, there’s a selectable WAVE output—handy when you want to change the timbre on the fly without repatching—and a SUB OSC output that divides the square wave’s frequency by two or four, adding weight and depth one or two octaves below the fundamental.

Precise tuning of the Adamsynths VCO across 10 octaves

The oscillator covers a full range of 10 octaves while maintaining a deviation of just a few cents, so you can play it melodically across the entire keyboard or push it into extreme registers for effects and synthetic percussion.

RANGE and TUNE in semitones

Tuning the oscillator is straightforward: the RANGE buttons recall the classic organ stops of 16', 8', 4', and 2', while the TUNE knob operates over a range of ±1 octave. The TUNE control can operate continuously, for free tuning and beat effects between multiple VCOs, or in semitone steps, to transpose the voice precisely without using a tuner.

Through-zero FM, sync, and PWM modulation for advanced sound design

In addition to the V/OCT input, the Oscillator provides two exponential FM inputs and one linear FM input, each with its own intensity control. Exponential FM is ideal for vibrato, sweeps, and musical envelope- or LFO-driven modulations; linear through-zero FM, on the other hand, opens the door to metallic timbres, bells, and inharmonic textures that remain in tune even with deep modulations.

Switchable HARD SYNC and pulse width from 10% to 90%

The HARD SYNC input, activated via a switch, allows you to sync the oscillator to a master clock to achieve classic aggressive, harmonically rich lead sounds. The controllable PWM input modulates the pulse width of the square wave between 10% and 90%, ranging from subtle, nasal sounds to expansive, lively pads.

Hidden Parameters and Warthog Oscillator Calibration

A dedicated menu contains the oscillator calibration parameters: initial tuning, scale, high-frequency compensation, and initial pulse width. This allows you to fine-tune the VCO’s behavior and adapt it to the rest of your Warthog system, maintaining your preferred tracking and character over time.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Adamsynths
• Model: Oscillator
• System: Warthog
• Type: SAW-core through-zero analog VCO
• Outputs: balanced, DC-coupled (no capacitors)
• Waveform output level: 10 Vpp
• Frequency range: 10 octaves
• Pitch deviation: ± a few cents
• RANGE selectors: 16', 8', 4', 2'
• TUNE: ±1 octave, continuous or semitone mode
• Inputs: V/OCT, 2 exponential FM, 1 linear FM (with individual controls), switchable HARD SYNC, PWM with control
• Pulse width: adjustable from 10% to 90%
• Waveform outputs: SQR, SAW, TRI, SINE
• WAVE output: selectable waveform
• SUB OSC output: square wave divided by 2 or by 4
• Hidden parameters: Initial Tune, Scale, HF Compensation, Initial Pulse Width